So far as my friends and family are concerned, 'I love Gin' need look no further, I am somewhat renown for being a fan of the G&T, and for sampling new and exciting combinations of the two. However, I knew that it would take a little more than borderline alcoholism to be eligible for this highly coveted position and I wasn't wrong!
Over 5000 initial applications (including mine) were made following the social media post going somewhat viral - I blame the sudden surge of hipster kids jumping on the Gin bandwagon and bringing it very much into the 21st century. A part of me is moderately disgruntled, wondering where these mustachioed gin-drinkers were when I was being ridiculed for favouring an 'old ladies drink' back when no one but your Nan was drinking Gin and Tonic, however, on the plus side, the resurgence of the G&T has meant that my options have somewhat broadened and a plethora of Gins available to me on a night out, that would previously have been limited to 'is Gordons ok?'
Joking aside, I am utterly thrilled that the humble G&T is having its 5 minutes of fame, with dedicated bars, festivals and even hotels popping up all over the UK. A previously shunned beverage, seemingly favoured by the elderly alone, Gin and Tonic has stolen the show in the last couple of years, storming its way into the spotlight, and looks very much set to stay!
Back to the matter at hand and the application for what I can wholeheartedly refer to as 'my dream career'. I Love Gin have asked each applicant to review a Gin which is new to us... any excuse to try a new Gin hey!
So here we go:
Isle of Harris Gin
Nestled in the Outer Hebrides is the Isle of Harris Distillery, home to the Isle of Harris Gin. Promising its drinkers 'maritime pleasures', this Gin encapsulates the Islands deep connection with the sea with the inclusion of Hebridean sugar kelp, alongside eight other botanicals which make up its distinctive flavour.
Bottled, labelled and sealed by hand, this Gin is produced in fairly small batches to ensure not only its high quality, but the sustainability of the local sugar kelp crop, which is hand harvested by local diver Lewis Mackenzie.
Despite this Gin being an extremely new addition to a previously Whiskey focused distillery, it has very swiftly found its feet and made its mark within the Gin community.
I cannot help but start by commenting on the visual appeal of the bottle itself: The sweeping, ridged glass and wooden stopper certainly lend themselves to the coastal feel of this Gin, while the simple yet distinctive label, carefully applied by hand, features a subtle nod to the craftsmanship behind the Gin with its unique flecks of copper (in reference to the distillery's small copper still - affectionately known as 'The Dottach') and sugar kelp. The bottle seal is again applied by hand, and bears the co-ordinates of the distillery, alongside the batch number.
Sold separately, yet alongside the Isle of Harris Gin, is the distillery's Sugar Kelp Aromatic Water. This dropper-bottle offers drinkers the option to adjust the flavour of the gin to suit, so I will be reviewing it both with, and without.
Serving suggestion on the Isle of Harris website, recommends Scottish tonic and a slice of either red or pink grapefruit. I do not, unfortunately have a Scottish tonic to hand so will be mixing mine with Fever Tree Indian Tonic and garnishing as recommended.
As this task was set to be a 'brief' review of our chosen gin, and I have rambled on thus far, I will keep this part short and sweet.
Pine needles and citrus on the nose, a seaside presence is notable but not as overpowering as I was expecting in the slightest. Taste wise the citrus again takes centre stage with peppery additions and an overall dry and crisp taste to the Gin. The Aromatic Water certainly lends to the maritime feel to the drink, although not at all in the way I was expecting. A distinctive seaside taste yet slightly sweet, I highly recommend a good few drops added to make the most of this pairing.
So far as garnishes are concerned, I agree with the suggested red or pink grapefruit, however, I would like to try a slice of orange to bring out the slightly sweeter notes, or a crisp lime wedge to really make those citrus flavours pop.
My rapidly depleting supply speaks volumes for the quality of this kelp-infused offering, and I am thrilled that Isle of Harris completely exceeded my expectations and offered up a Gin which certainly ranks pretty darn highly in my books!
Here's to the summer, and sun-drenched beaches where this Gin is just begging to be enjoyed. Cheers!
Isle of Harris Gin is exclusively sold by the Distillery in Tarbert, Isle of Harris, or via their website www.isleofharrisgin.com and can be shipped to UK addresses.
For more information on either Isle of Harris Distillery, or I Love Gin, please click on the respective logo below.
Image credits are my own and were shot at Lulworth Cove in the South of England with the Olympus Pen EPL-7
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